Golden Circle

Highlights
• The majestic Gullfoss waterfall
• The erupting Strokkur geysir at the Geysir geothermal area
• The rift valley between the tectonic plates at the Thingvellir National Park
• Several options for other natural sights, geothermal pools, culture, cuisine and activities
More about the Tour
The “Golden Circle” is the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland with the three main pillars of the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area and the Thingvellir National Park.

Translated as “golden waterfall”, the name of Gullfoss relates either to its signature golden glint on sunny days, or to the legendary gold at the end of the rainbow, as Gullfoss often creates perfect rainbows in its mist. The river Hvita originates in the Langjokull glacier and plunges 32m into a narrow and deep canyon. From Gullfoss, you also have a great view of the Langjokull glacier, Iceland’s second largest.

Geysir is one of the world’s greatest geysers and the origin of the word geyser. Although the great geyser is not active, the smaller Strokkur erupts 30 meters up into the air every 7-8 minutes much to the delight of the crowds. Strokkur is the clear favourite sight here but the surrounding area also hosts a variety of bubbling hot springs, steaming vents and colourful fissures.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historically significant for being the first meeting place of the Icelandic parliament in 930 AD. Iceland has the oldest surviving parliament in the world.

Thingvellir is located in the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and Iceland is the only place where this rift is above sea level and you walk alongside the plates. We will walk through the Almannagja gorge to the beautiful Oxararfoss waterfall. The Park was also a filming location for the Game of Thrones series.

Depending on your interests and how much time you have, there are several other sights and detour options along
this route. Here are some of them:
– Kerid, a blue-green volcanic crater lake
– Secret Lagoon geothermal bathing pool
– The geothermal exhibition at the Hellisheidi Power Plant
– Lunch at Fridheimar tomato farm and cafe
– Laugarvatn geothermal spa and bakery
– The Skalholt museum, the site of Iceland’s medieval bishop seat
– Faxafoss waterfall

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